Quick & Zesty Whole Orange Cake Recipe for Sweet Citrus Lovers

Baking a whole orange cake brings surprising depth to classic dessert preparations.

Citrus lovers appreciate how this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Zesty orange flavors permeate every tender crumb of this delightful treat.

Mediterranean baking traditions inspire this remarkably straightforward approach to creating something magical.

Packed with natural sweetness, the cake offers a delicate balance between tangy and smooth textures.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike will adore how effortlessly this recipe comes together.

You’ll want to slice into this sunshine-colored delight and savor each incredible bite.

Why Everyone Loves Nigella Whole Orange Cake

• Celebrate Whole Fruit Magic: This recipe transforms an entire orange into a delightful cake, using every bit of the fruit without waste, creating a unique and resourceful baking experience.
• Simplify Baking Brilliance: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this cake accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
• Burst with Citrusy Freshness: The whole orange blended into the batter delivers an intense, natural citrus flavor that elevates the cake's taste profile, making it more vibrant and aromatic than traditional recipes.
• Perfect for Sharing Moments: Its moist texture and bright flavor make this cake ideal for casual gatherings, afternoon tea, or a sweet family dessert that brings everyone together.

What Goes in Nigella Whole Orange Cake

• Whole Orange: A fresh, vibrant citrus fruit that provides natural sweetness and intense orange flavor to the cake.
• Eggs: The key binding agent that helps create a light and fluffy cake texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cake's caramelization and tender crumb.
• Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the cake its classic cake consistency.

• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake, contributing to its tender crumb.
• Yogurt: Provides additional moisture and helps create a soft, tender cake texture.

• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy structure.

• Orange Juice, Sugar: A simple syrup that adds extra moisture and intensifies the orange flavor when brushed over the warm cake.

Instructions for Nigella Whole Orange Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Warm up your oven to a cozy 180°C (350°F). Grab an 8-inch springform pan and give it a loving coat of grease, then line it with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Whip Up Fluffy Base

Grab your electric mixer and combine eggs and sugar. Whirl them together until they transform into a light, airy, and super fluffy mixture that looks like clouds.

Step 3: Create Smooth Cake Batter

Gently sift flour and baking powder into your fluffy egg mixture. Fold in soft butter and creamy yogurt, stirring until everything blends into a silky smooth batter.

Step 4: Incorporate Whole Orange Magic

Take a whole orange and blend it completely until it becomes a smooth, fragrant puree. Pour this vibrant orange goodness directly into your cake batter and stir until perfectly combined.

Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection

Transfer your batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The cake is ready when it turns golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Create Zesty Glaze

While the cake is still warm, prepare a quick glaze by simmering fresh orange juice with sugar until it thickens slightly. Gently brush this liquid sunshine over the warm cake.

Step 7: Cool And Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then remove from the springform, let it cool completely, and slice into delightful pieces ready to be devoured.

Handy Tips for Making Nigella Whole Orange Cake

• Maximize Orange Flavor: Use a ripe, fragrant orange for intense citrus notes and natural sweetness in the cake.
• Prevent Bitter Taste: Remove any seeds from the orange before blending to avoid unwanted bitterness in the final cake.
• Check Cake Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs when the cake is perfectly baked.
• Boost Moisture: Let the cake rest in the pan for 15 minutes after baking to help it retain moisture and prevent crumbling.
• Glaze for Extra Shine: Apply the warm orange glaze while the cake is still slightly warm to help it absorb better and create a glossy finish.

Nigella Whole Orange Cake – Custom Options

• Vegan Orange Bliss: Replace eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use plant-based yogurt and dairy-free butter for a completely vegan version.
• Gluten-Free Citrus Delight: Swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour, ensuring a light and fluffy gluten-free cake for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Zesty Lemon Swap: Substitute whole orange with whole lemon, creating a tangy alternative that maintains the cake's moist texture and unique blending technique.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Option: Use natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the cake's rich, citrusy flavor profile.

Drinks and Dishes to Enjoy With Orange Cake

• Elevate Citrus Harmony: Pair this whole orange cake with complementary flavors that enhance its zesty profile.
• Recommend Sparkling Companion: Serve with chilled prosecco or light champagne to cut through the cake's sweetness and refresh the palate.
• Match Creamy Contrast: Accompany with a dollop of mascarpone cream or vanilla bean ice cream to balance the cake's bright citrus notes.
• Suggest Aromatic Tea Pairing: Brew a delicate Earl Grey or jasmine green tea to complement the orange's delicate essence and provide a soothing backdrop.

Keeping Nigella Whole Orange Cake Fresh Longer

• Store cooled cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Slice cake, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
• Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to avoid overheating and maintain cake's soft texture.
• Let refrigerated cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore its original softness and enhance flavor profile.

Questions About Nigella Whole Orange Cake

• Can I use a different type of pan?

Yes, you can use a regular 8-inch cake pan, but make sure to grease and line it well with parchment paper for easy removal.

• Is it necessary to use a whole orange?

Absolutely! Using the whole orange provides intense citrus flavor and natural moisture to the cake, making it unique and delicious.

• Can I make this cake without a blender?

You can use a food processor or finely chop the orange and mix it thoroughly into the batter, ensuring smooth incorporation.

• How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy to touch.

Whole Orange Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 75 mins
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mediterranean sunshine sparkles in this whole orange cake, a citrus-infused dessert that celebrates pure, simple flavors. Zesty orange notes and tender crumb invite bakers to savor a slice of delightful, unpretentious comfort straight from Mediterranean kitchens.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 large organic orange, chopped and deseeded (peel included)
• 3 eggs
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1 1/8 cups sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (or 1 Pane Degli Angeli packet)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (if using plain baking powder)

Liquid Ingredients:

• Juice of 1 orange
• 1/3 cup sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 180°C (350°F) and prepare an 8-inch springform pan with grease and parchment paper.
2. Whisk eggs and sugar together until light and airy, creating a smooth, voluminous mixture.
3. Gently fold sifted flour and baking powder into the egg mixture, then incorporate softened butter and yogurt until well combined.
4. Thoroughly pulverize the entire orange in a blender, creating a smooth, zesty puree.
5. Fold the orange puree into the cake batter, ensuring even distribution of citrus flavor throughout.
6. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading evenly to create a uniform surface.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 15 minutes after removing from the oven.
9. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by simmering orange juice with sugar until slightly thickened and syrupy.
10. Gently brush the warm glaze over the slightly cooled cake, allowing it to seep into the surface.
11. Let the cake cool completely, allowing the flavors to meld and the glaze to set.
12. Once fully cooled, carefully remove from the pan and slice into servings.

Notes

• Preserve whole orange texture by blending with skin on, adding intense citrus flavor and extra nutrients from zest.
• Ensure smooth batter by beating eggs and sugar thoroughly until pale and fluffy, creating lighter cake consistency.
• Choose full-fat yogurt for richer moisture and tender crumb, preventing dry cake texture.
• Customize glaze intensity by adjusting sugar quantity, allowing personal sweetness preference while maintaining classic orange essence.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 60 mins
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 207
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 114 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg